Skills Bootcamp – Software Development

The course is one day per week over 12-16 weeks with a coaching and mentoring session available on the same day to support your professional development.

The role of a software developer is to plan, build and test robust high-quality code across front end, logic, and database layers. Developers work as part of a team; they are responsible for developing software solutions from design documentation, initial briefs, and business specifications. The project requirements are often defined by other members of the team, typically from a business analyst or technical architect.

Induction, the first week of each module, and graduation week will be held on site at Exeter College.

The second week of each module will be taught live online using the Microsoft Teams platform, with the option to attend in person if you prefer.

During the coaching and mentoring sessions there will be progress reviews, an opportunity to further discuss the content of the programme, as well as focusing on Individual Professional Development, reflecting on skills development and individual target setting, and supporting those applying for a change of job role.

During the course you will create an online portfolio of work to showcase your development.

In the final week of the programme there will be interview preparation, final portfolio feedback, visiting speaker talks and graduation.

Module 1: Logic

Target Skills

• Develops logical thinking skills.
• The components of writing good quality code and clear syntax.
• Distinguish between methodologies.
• Can apply functions and simple data types.

Module 2: Problem solving and analysis

Target Skills

• Solves logical problems.
• Structed techniques to problem solving.
• Activity workflow.
• Best practice approaches across paradigms and languages.

Module 3: Development lifecycles

Target Skills

• Understands all stages of the development lifecycle.
• Can access test results – Unit testing.
• User Documentation and user training.
• Bugs; change requests and amendments.

Module 4: Design and User Interface

Target Skills

• HTML, CSS & JavaScript.
• Introduction to user interface coding and implementation.
• Software designs to communicate understanding.
• Understands how the database layer integrates with the front-end.

Module 5: Deployment

Target Skills

• Web hosting and web services, smartphones, tablets and games.
• Packaging completed programs as appropriate to the environment.
• Migration of different environments – factors of note.
• Utilise skills to build, manage and deploy code.

Applicants for this course need to be, unemployed – looking for a role in the Digital/Data field, self-employed or looking for new employment.  If you are employed and are upskilling, your employer may be asked to pay a contribution dependant on your circumstances. This course is open to residents of Devon and Cornwall only.  All applicants will be assessed at interview.

The New Digital and Data Centre is part of the South West institute of Technology and delivers effective and high quality programmes which help develop local business and promote employability.